Admin

The most important thing you can do in the next month - VOTE

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with eXp Commercial, Referral Divison RRE-BRO-LIC-75443

So as of the time I'm writing this, there is less than a month to the 2024 Election. There have been political discussions, disagreements, and ads for well over a year. Those have been on the radio, television, Internet and at almost every meeting regardless of meeting intent. And that's all well and good, but none of that means anything if you don't get out and vote.

So how many people DO vote? Per the US Elections Project, anywhere between 50 to 65% of eligible Americans have voted in the presidential election over the last 100 years.

Why isn't that closer to 100%? With all the overheard conversations and the adamant statements about this candidate and that, one would think everyone would show up at the polls.

I suspect there are many reasons. Some of the ones I've heard in the past include:

- But my vote won't matter. What can one person do?
- What if my state only has a few electoral votes?
- What if I don't have a ride?
- What difference does it make who wins?

 

But my vote won't matter. My state only has a few electoral votes so we don't count.

I have heard this come up over the years many times by different people. And often, the friends of those people feel the same. So why do they think their vote won't matter?

Did you know in 1876 Rutherford B. Hayes won the presidential election by one electoral vote?

And what about Massachusetts governor Marcus Morton in 1839 who won the race by a single vote?

Then there was a New Hampshire race in 1974 for Senator. There were several recounts and in the end John Durkin won by a mere two votes.

I'm sure most who are reading this remember the 2000 election when the results in Florida were going to determine who won the Presidential election? And the results as counted showed only a 537 vote difference?

These examples are just a few that prove every single vote is important and counts. If your state has just a few electoral votes (here in Montana we have just four), it still matters. Remember - a President was voted in with just one more electoral vote than his challenger and a governor won by just one vote.

 

What if I don't have a ride?

In most locations, there are multiple ways to vote. You could get an absentee ballot in the mail and mail it back or drop it off, or can get a ride to the voting office on other days before Election Day and do it in person.

If you want to vote in person and cannot get there yourself, there are other options. Check with Lyft in your area; they are offering discounted rates (and is some cases free for certain non profits) to get to the voting booth. While I couldn't find a program with Uber, they may offer the same. Also, what about asking a neighbor or family member to give you a ride? With early voting availability, it doesn't have to be on Election Day - it could be earlier. And why not call your local Election Office and see if they are arranging rides for non-driving voters. If you want to get to the polls, there's a way.

 

What difference does it make who wins?

I read an article that suggested more than 50% of people who don't vote feel that it just doesn't matter who wins. Everything is just going to continue on and it doesn't matter who is in the President's seat. They are apathetic about the entire process.

If they are indeed apathetic, then suggesting they just look at how the nation changes based on who is in power won't capture their attention. They won't want to read or investigate or discuss. Also if true, this doesn't seem to be something that is easily fixed, at least not in time for this year's election.

Perhaps if we personally know someone who fits in this category, we can just attempt to discuss with them. Maybe talk about why we feel differently and perhaps stress the importance of local elections which really do matter on a day-to-day basis. Maybe, just maybe, they'll decide to ride along with us to vote. It can't hurt to try.

 

Summary

Your vote counts, nationally and locally. If you are typically not a voter and you want to vote this year, make sure you're registered and go. And tell everyone you know that you are doing so. Perhaps the fact that you are going will convince other typical non-voters that this is the year for them to start.

In the end, if you don't participate in the voting process and you don't like the person who wins, it's partly on you that you didn't help the other person win. We should all be doing our part. So get out there and vote!

PS - This post is about the voting PROCESS, not any specific candidates. Hopefully any conversations that happen below will focus on the same.

Posted by

Kalispell, Bigfork, Lakeside and Somers areas. 

Are you getting ready to sell or purchase land or a home in Kalispell  or the surrounding vicinity? Let’s talk!

Facebook | LinkedIn
About Me
My Blog
theHouseKat.com
Email Me

(406) 270-3667
CALL OR TEXT

KAT PALMIOTTI, BROKER

 

Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Kat Palmiotti - I still remember the day my father and I were in the kitchen, and he told me the most important thing I could do for our country is to vote. I never forgot to vote. 

Your post was filled with very important information. You bet I'm going to vote!

Oct 15, 2024 04:37 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP - Me too!

Oct 15, 2024 04:38 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I have my ballot and I plan on casting my votes, but I also worry that there is so much corruption in politics that my vote might not even be worth anything.  I have been praying hard for the right thing to happen!

Oct 15, 2024 05:16 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Your vote matters, Brian England !

Oct 15, 2024 05:33 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Kat... I've never missed an election except when living overseas. Our early voting begins on Thursday this week and I'll be out casting my vote that day.

Oct 15, 2024 05:28 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Kat Palmiotti hi Kat... here in Charlotte early voting is a quick in and out of the polling station. 

Oct 15, 2024 05:39 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Nina Hollander, Broker - How wonderful! I think a lot of people are voting early.

Oct 15, 2024 05:34 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

No VOTE NO VOICE! I have stuck by that since the start of being legal to give an opinion at the polls, Kat. Will be voting to turn this country around because the current direction is toward destruction!

Oct 16, 2024 10:13 AM
Kat Palmiotti

With a VOTE, we have a VOICE, Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! !

Oct 16, 2024 12:00 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!

I can get LOUD if necessary! ✅

Oct 16, 2024 12:04 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Kat,
I am all for every educated citizen to vote! I don't mean "educated" by a level of schooling. We all need to understand the issues and what a candidate stands for, do our own research, and not be swayed by misinformation or the opinion of celebrities or anyone else.

Oct 16, 2024 10:56 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Absolutely Carol Williams - although plenty of people don't get educated first and do follow celebrities/etc. And they certainly are allowed to do that!

Oct 16, 2024 12:01 PM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Kat, We have never voted ahead of Election Day but will sure to be there to make our vote!

Oct 16, 2024 11:36 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Yay Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 - our early voting is already in progress. I was there yesterday and ballots were being dropped off and people were at the voting booths. Love to see that!

Oct 16, 2024 12:01 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Kat. When you live in a solid red or blue state and you think your vote will not count, you are playing into the hands of the opposition. Vote. I have lived in Illinois and the city of Chicago for years and I know how it works. Enjoy your day.

Oct 19, 2024 06:16 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Yes indeed, Wayne Martin - just get out there and VOTE!

Oct 19, 2024 03:22 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

You're preaching to the choir here, Kat!! What a wonderfully informative post you've put together here. I'm with George - if you don't vote, you don't get to complain! 

Ray and I went by a couple of polling places on both Thursday & Friday and there were lines around both buildings! I was so relieved to see that and then we heard on the news on Friday evening that the lines were 2-1/5 hours long all across the city! We have had record turn out across our state, which is so good to hear.

Oct 20, 2024 05:24 PM
Kat Palmiotti

I am so glad to hear there are already lines Debe Maxwell, CRS ! It's so important to take part in this election!

Oct 20, 2024 06:05 PM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Possibly this is the most important presidential election in recent US history. Early voting is happening in AZ and I understand the lines are long.  We are voting early this coming Thursday though I always vote in person. However I have concerns about this election due to the "validated issues" from the last federal presidential election.

Oct 22, 2024 09:35 AM
Kat Palmiotti

I'm glad to hear you're going to voting soon, Leanne Smith - hopefully everything will be counted correctly.

Oct 22, 2024 12:08 PM
Monica Hill
RE/Max Associates - Wilmington, DE
the REALTOR to help you discover Delaware

Kat,

Great post and incredibly important reminder. I'm tired of all the mud slinging and I do wonder if the slingers will actually take the time to go do what is most important... and vote!

Oct 22, 2024 07:23 PM
Kat Palmiotti

I hope they do Monica Hill ! Thanks for your comment!

Oct 23, 2024 04:41 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Saturday morning, Kat. Thanks for your comments on my posts.

Have an outstanding weekend.

Oct 26, 2024 06:40 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Roy for stopping by and you're welcome.

Oct 26, 2024 12:24 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Hello Kat Palmiotti - I am late to this party.  My vote is banked with early voting in California. From what I am hearing on TV - voter turnout this year is record-breaking across the board. 

 

Oct 27, 2024 07:57 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist - I think it's great that so many people have already voted! Whoo hoo!

Oct 27, 2024 11:23 AM
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

Banked my Vote yesterday. It is more important than ever to VOTE as a REALTOR!! The DOJ has begun to erase our industry as we know it. They have erased my football teams name. Don't let them erase the county as we know it!! Please Vote!!

Oct 28, 2024 05:21 AM
Kat Palmiotti

I voted a few weeks ago - and yes, it's important for anyone who is a registered voter to get out there Buzz Mackintosh 

Oct 28, 2024 05:26 AM
Ben DeHaven
Haven Realty & Investments - Lakeland, FL
Proudly serving Central Florida!

I voted on Friday, it was busy but they did not have a line. 

Oct 28, 2024 08:15 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Ben DeHaven - awesome! Early and Easy!

Oct 28, 2024 10:59 AM
Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

40% of registered voters (me included) have already voted in Georgia.  I expect modern history record turn out.  We have until Friday to early vote.  I expect another 10 to 15% this week.

Oct 28, 2024 08:46 AM
Kat Palmiotti

I hope we do have a record turn out Don Baker - 1/3 of voters in my state have already voted.

Oct 28, 2024 10:58 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

I think quite a bit of voter apathy is out there this year. I think many Republicans believe another election will be stolen, while many Democrats feel the candidate that is running is not the one they voted for in the primaries. I hope people get over the apathy, this is not just about who will be President...many ballot initiatives, senate and congressional decisions are on the local ballots. Everyone needs to do their CIVIC duty and go vote!

Oct 28, 2024 10:53 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty - I just saw that 1/3 of all registered voters in my state have already voted. Now let's hope most of the rest vote between now and the end of Election Day!

Oct 28, 2024 10:58 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty

I must say this...I talked to six people today at Starbucks. They all voted early HOWEVER none of them seemed to understand ANY of the ballot initiatives. They are so poorly written (on purpose I believe) that you need to do tons of research just to semi understand them.

Oct 28, 2024 11:29 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

My vote has been submitted and received by my county. I use absentee voting and have always believed in voting as a duty of a citizen, not just a right. Thank you for a well written reminder.

Oct 29, 2024 08:37 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 - a reminder you didn't need!

Oct 29, 2024 09:22 AM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

I like to renew my right to complain, although you have to catch me in person or in a Facebook private message to get those complaints.  They won't be in my blog nor on my Facebook wall.

Ohio makes it easy, print out a form, mail it in, ballot shows up in the mail, either mail it back or drop it off at the county Board of Elections drop box (don't even have to get out of the car).  Our ballots have been in for a couple of weeks (which can also be verified online as having been received).

Oct 29, 2024 08:09 PM
Kat Palmiotti

We have the same process here Liz and Bill Spear - our ballots were received on 10/11 and we filled them out and dropped them off at the Election Office a few days later. And ours were also accepted as shown on our online portal. One of our sons is working out of country this year and he was given three options for voting. It's not that hard if one wants to vote!

Oct 30, 2024 04:52 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

I'll have to find out what the options are in WV once we move next year, hopefully something similar, but not that big a deal if we have to go in person, we'll be retired, so not much excuse for us about not having time :)

Oct 30, 2024 05:12 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

     Take a kid, your grandchild to the polls to show them you vote. Explain why it is a gift, so important. That not voting means zip it. No complaining later because you skipped out, did not take part in the election process.

     Voters run the country, not media, not a select few, not apathy. Voting is speaking up and being heard. You hurt your nation by wasting an opportunity to improve your country, state, county, local community. Serve, volunteer and vote. Great post Kat Palmiotti 

Oct 30, 2024 03:45 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573 - voting is definitely speaking up. I agree with you!

Oct 30, 2024 04:53 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Nothing to say but SPECTACULAR post. Lynn

Nov 04, 2024 07:26 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you so much Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375 !

Nov 04, 2024 08:04 AM